Cabernet Sauvignon is globally celebrated for crafting full-bodied red wines abundant in rich blackcurrant flavors, robust tannins, and notable longevity. This iconic grape variety is the most widely cultivated in the world, thriving across approximately 340,000 hectares. If these vines were consolidated, the vineyard would span an area resembling Long Island, Mallorca, or Goa. From… Read More »
Impressed by two offerings from Ponzi Vineyards, an Oregon winery established in 1970, the third in the state and now owned by Bollinger since 2021. Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood District Chardonnay 2021This Chardonnay, hailing from the Chehalem Mountains in Willamette Valley, boasts an alcohol content of 13.1%. The Laurelwood soil series, consisting of windblown loess atop… Read More »
Welcome to Clare Valley, one of South Australia’s oldest and most innovative wine regions, renowned for producing exceptional wines since 1851. Despite its modest size—approximately 35 km long and 5-10 km wide—Clare Valley has made a significant mark on the global wine scene, accounting for less than 1.5% of Australia’s total wine production. Location and… Read More »
The name Château La Tour Figeac suggests a prominent structure, but in reality, there’s no tower to view at the estate located in St-Émilion. The unusual name derives from a mill that once stood atop an old well, marking the historical significance of the site. Château La Tour Figeac emerged following the fragmentation of Château… Read More »
Graham Beck is renowned for its exceptional traditional method sparkling wines in South Africa, known as Cap Classiques. The Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2020 is a new addition to their impressive lineup. This release is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, using only the cuvée press fraction. Of the wine, 46% is fermented in both… Read More »
As dawn breaks over the misty hills of Piedmont, I accompany Michele, a renowned truffle hunter, and his spirited dog, Macchia, into the woods. Nestled in a dirt-smudged Fiat Panda, we step into the cool air, thick with the rich scent of damp earth and moss. Michele, one of Alba’s respected trifulau, shares a secret:… Read More »
Popped into Singburi in Shoreditch for a late lunch and left full, happy, and eager to return. London has earned a strong reputation for its Thai cuisine, with notable spots like Anglothai and Smoking Goat being greatly praised. Singburi lives up to this reputation based on today’s experience. The restaurant has a bright, modern dining… Read More »
Impressed by the latest release from Nyetimber, a leading producer of English sparkling wine, the 2018 Blanc de Blancs stands out due to the exceptional conditions of that year’s vintage in the UK. Known for its warmth and abundance, this vintage has helped elevate the status of English sparkling wine on the global scale. The… Read More »
Daisies: The Cocktail Category You Never Knew You Loved When asked about their favorite cocktails, people might readily name a martini, a sour, or a highball. However, when it comes to daisies, many may be left scratching their heads. Despite the unfamiliarity surrounding the name, the daisy category is home to some of the most… Read More »
I’ve reported extensively on the wines from Okanagan standout Haywire. Winemaker Matt Dumayne, alongside owners Chris Coletta and Steve Lornie, have crafted a reputation for producing exceptional Okanagan wines with a focus on lower-intervention techniques, favoring concrete elevage over small oak aging. Recently, I returned to Garnet Valley, where a remarkable vineyard has taken shape.… Read More »